*Thread* As we continue our series of strong women of the monarchy, today we discuss Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall. Born Camilla Rosemary Shand on July 17. 1947 to Bruce and Rosalind. Camilla is the eldest of three children. At a very young age Camilla began her passion for

reading, she credits her father as she still loves to read. When she turned 16, Camilla would travel abroad and would attend Mon Fertile finishing school in Switzerland. Once completed she decided to travel to France and study French and French literature at the

University of London Institute in Paris. After returning to London in 1965, Camilla would be one of 311 women that would be a debutant that year. In 1971, both Camilla and Prince Charles would start to be in the others social circle. Even though they would attend the same

engagements, it wasn’t until Prince Charles played at a polo match the two would meet. Unfortunately the palace didn’t feel Camilla was suitable for Prince Charles as he was the future king.

July 4, 1973, Camilla would marry her first husband Andrew Parker Bowles at the Guard Chapel, Wellington Barracks in London. Her wedding was considered the society wedding of the year, with 800 guests in attendance including Princess Anne, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret

Camilla and Andrew would have two children together Tom and Laura, unfortunately their marriage would end in divorce after 21 years. After his divorce to Diana, Prince Charles declared his love for Camilla. Both Charles and Camilla knew that they would be getting a lot of

negative media attention, and would have their work cut out for them to gain everyone's trust and support. The two would make their first unofficial engagement together in 1999 at the Ritz Hotel in London. The couple would start working together in 2000 as they would travel to

Scotland for many engagements. It wasn’t until 2001 that the Queen would meet Camilla, and take on more engagements with Charles. February 10, 2005 it was announced that Charles and Camilla would marry and had the blessing from both princes William and Harry as they wanted to see

their father happy. Prince Charles proposed with a family heirloom that once belonged to his grandmother Elizabeth the Queen Mum. Two months later they would be married, the Queen along with Prince Philip and Camilla's parents wouldn’t attend the marriage ceremony. Both

Prince William and Tom Parker Bowles would act as witnesses. Out of respect for Princes William and Harry, Camilla would not take the title that once belonged to their mother, instead she would be given the title the Duchess of Cornwall. Camilla currently has over 90 patronages

that she works with, a big area of focus is working with victims of rape and sexual abuse. Since 2009 she has been a big advocate, and continues to use her voice to help victims. The Duchess of Cornwall has truly proved that no matter the hate, criticism, the backlash you can

come back from all of it. She is truly well respected, has worked so hard with all of her patronages and has been a huge asset to Prince Charles.

Time to vote! Would would you like to see next in strong women of the monarchy?!